Reggio Emilia’s Aperto Festival showcased a massive sound installation featuring 50 pianos, creating a continuous wave of music across the venue.
Key takeaways
- Scale of the installation: Fifty grand pianos were arranged to produce a unified sonic wave.
- Dual performance: The event included two simultaneous concerts that overlapped the piano wave.
- String count: Organizers highlighted the use of approximately 11,000 strings supplied by Haas.
- Festival context: The installation was part of the broader Aperto Festival program in Reggio Emilia.
Installation details
The 50 pianos were positioned to allow their resonances to blend, forming a continuous auditory experience described by organizers as a “sound wave.” Each instrument contributed its full complement of strings, totaling around 11,000, sourced from piano maker Haas.
Performance format
Two ensembles performed concurrently, each playing a repertoire that complemented the overarching wave. The overlapping concerts were timed to enhance the immersive effect for the audience.
Festival significance
The project underscored the Aperto Festival’s focus on large‑scale, collaborative music events. By integrating a high number of instruments and a substantial string count, the festival aimed to push the boundaries of live acoustic presentation in the region.